Ranjit Kumar

Group CIO/CTO and enterprise transformation executive with 20+ years of international experience and 14+ years in Global leadership, modernizing complex technology estates across multiple businesses, countries and regulated environments in GCC, Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe. Led $150M+ transformation portfolios and organizations of 500+ people spanning enterprise architecture, AI/data, ERP, cloud, cybersecurity, digital platforms, telecom infrastructure and fintech.

Combines

Group-level technology governance with business-unit execution, establishing common architecture, platforms, security and investment disciplines while preserving local-market agility. Proven in build/buy/cloud/on-premise decisions, technology simplification, SAP/ERP modernization, AI-enabled operating models, strategic sourcing and CAPEX/OPEX optimization, delivering 22–23% EBITDA improvement, 28–30% OPEX reduction, 17% ARPU growth and $12M vendor-consolidation savings.

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP: Telecom | Digital Infrastructure | Fintech & Payments | Cloud/Data Centres | Retail | Manufacturing | Industrial EXCUTIVE CORE VALUE PRAPOSITION • Defined and executed a 3–5-year Group-wide AI playbook & IT and digitalization roadmap aligned to corporate strategy, governing $75M+ in annual IT investment while delivering 20–30% cost efficiency, improving service to >99.9%, predictable execution, across business.

• Drove AI-led automation across finance, HR, and operations using RPA and ML models, removing 30% manual workload, shortening processing cycles by 35%, and realizing $7M annual savings, while enabling business growth without increase in operational headcount.
• Group Technology Strategy & Governance: Translate Board and CEO priorities into multi-business technology strategy, investment roadmaps and architecture guardrails. Establish federated governance across AI/data, cyber, cloud, platforms and sourcing, balancing Group standards with BU agility and measurable enterprise value.
• AI, Data & Intelligent Automation: Embed AI into business operations through enterprise strategy, governance, data foundations and intelligent automation. Re-engineered 69 processes across 12 domains and scaled AI/ML across 65,000 network elements, delivering 30% lower OPEX, 45% lower MTTR and 25% higher efficiency.
• Enterprise Architecture & Technology Simplification: Govern target-state architecture, application rationalization and build/buy, cloud/on-premise and API decisions using capability, TCO, risk and scalability criteria. Reduced technology complexity 40%, accelerated deployment 35% and enabled $12M vendor-consolidation savings.
• ERP, Cloud & Enterprise Platforms: Modernize enterprise foundations across SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, NetSuite, BSS/OSS, hybrid cloud and APIs, integrating core business processes. Govern AWS, Azure, GCP and Huawei Cloud decisions around scalability, resilience, data residency, regulatory requirements and TCO.
• Cybersecurity, AI Risk & Operational Resilience: Govern c

Chief technology and Strategy officer (CTSO) at MSG Group (2024-09 – Present)

Team Size: 500+ | Reported to CEO/Board | Multi-sector Conglomerate | Full P&L and investment accountability | Telecom, Subsea cable, Retail, Fintech, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas| Geography: 7 Countries | Group Revenue Supported: USD 1.5B+

• Held full P&L accountability for Group IT operations and investments, optimizing IT portfolios across 6 business units, balancing technical, operational, business, and HSE priorities.
• Restructured technology investment and operating priorities across six businesses and seven countries, balancing reliability, security, cost and growth to reduce OPEX by 28% while sustaining critical telecom, fintech and enterprise services.
• Owned $14M transformation programme P&L covering Corporate Functions, improving EBITDA margins by 22% while sustaining 98.5% SLA compliance across multiple regions.
• Led brownfield SAP S/4HANA deployment across finance, manufacturing, and logistics in 3 regions, harmonizing 12 legacy systems, enabling real-time COGS and asset tracking, reducing month-end close cycles by 35%, and strengthening operational resilience, compliance, and multi-country visibility.
• Architected and executed solution architecture, AI governance, and digital engineering for B2C, B2B, SMB, retail, and Oil & Gas operational platforms, delivering next-generation customer journeys, omnichannel experiences, and digital services that improve operational reliability.
• Built real-time monitoring, observability, and analytics frameworks using Kafka, ELK, and cloud-native tools, enabling proactive operations, 30% efficiency gains, and SLA compliance across multiple service domains.
• Directed $8M multi-technology infrastructure modernization, deploying fiber, 4G, and cloud solutions that boosted service reliability by 40%, expanded rural coverage by 65%, and enhanced asset uptime across critical operations.
• Identified $20M growth opportunity through strategic technology partnerships, converting it into signed deals and new B2B revenue streams across East Africa and Gulf markets.
• Expanded account value by 35% by embedding commercial discipline into delivery operations, securing 3 contract renewals and 2 upsell deals within the first fiscal year.

Specialist Technology Architect & Strategy at Ooredoo - Qatar (2023-06 – 2024-08)

Portfolio: USD 158M | Team: 32 global specialists | Scope: 7 operating companies | Stakeholders: Group CIO and CTIO leadership

• Architected and delivered Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) for Qatar Energy, integrating OT/IT systems, predictive analytics, and AI-driven monitoring to improve asset uptime >99.9%, enhance HSE compliance, and reduce unplanned downtime by 40%.
• Modernized multi-site OT/IT operations and enterprise platforms, deploying cloud-native analytics, API-driven automation, and predictive monitoring, boosting operational efficiency by 30% and accelerating project execution across 7 countries.
• Built high-performing engineering teams and governance frameworks, embedding DevOps, CI/CD, observability, and cybersecurity best practices, translating executive vision into execution-ready operations and compressing delivery cycles by 30%.
• Enabled cross-functional collaboration across commercial, regulatory, IT, and product units—translating C-level vision into execution-ready architecture, securing regulatory alignment, and compressing go-live cycles by 30%.

Program Director (OSS Transformation) at Wipro Ltd. (Domain & Consulting- APMEA) (2022-04 – 2023-05)

Team Size: 58 global experts; Budget Size: $57 million

• Stabilized mission-critical IT and OT operations across multi-country Oil & Gas environments supporting 85M+ users, restoring service availability to >99.9%, simplifying 65,000+ nodes, and delivering 40% OPEX reduction while reinforcing operational safety and HSE compliance.
• Reset IT cost structure through automation, portfolio rationalisation, and AI-driven predictive analytics, leading a $57M enterprise transformation programme, improving operational efficiency by 30%, reducing manual workload by 30%, and delivering $7M+ annual recurring savings.
• Built and scaled Wipro’s regional consulting P&L unit, increasing revenue by 42% YoY through strategy-led delivery, improved margins, and acquisition of new strategic accounts in the telecom innovation space.

Lead Enterprise Architect at Wipro Ltd. (Domain & Consulting- APMEA) (2021-07 – 2022-03)

Team Size: 97 | Project Size: $15 M | 29 m mobile subscriber, 1.4m Fixed Brodband | 65,000+ nodes | Nationwide delivery USD 7M annual savings | 30% lower OPEX | 30 to 35% faster MTTR | 99.2% SLA Led a high-stakes modernization spanning service assurance, ITSM, security, automation, data and operational transition.

• Led the implementation of Oracle’s full telco suite, including Siebel CRM, Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Order and Service Management (OSM), Unified Inventory Management (UIM), and Amdocs, Hansen Enterprise Product Catalog (EPC)—enabling a unified, scalable, and API-driven service layer.
• Orchestrated quote-to-cash modernization, integrating CPQ and digital commerce flows across channels—resulting in a 22% increase in digital service adoption and improved partner onboarding efficiency through centralized product catalog management.
• Delivered cloud-native billing and order management upgrades under budget and ahead of schedule—unlocking $12M in commercial savings via vendor consolidation and workflow automation.
• Institutionalized enterprise Agile and DevOps practices, boosting release velocity by 35% and ensuring tighter business-IT alignment across product, marketing, and network operations teams.

CTIO at Zambia Telecommunication Ltd. (Zamtel) (2020-08 – 2021-05)

Team Size: 97 | Project Size: $15 M | 29 m mobile subscriber, 1.4m Fixed Brodband

• Owned P & L and end-to-end enterprise architecture across B2C, B2B, and B2B2C, including BSS/OSS, network automation, IT operations, CapEx/Opex planning, and outsourcing strategy, driving operational and business growth.
• Developed a 5-year IT blueprint, integrating data architecture, IN&VAS, systems, and computing infrastructure, aligning technology with business needs and future-proofing digital services.
• Led digital stack transformation—mobile apps, self-service, eCommerce, retail/CC channels, payment gateways, product/revenue/service management platforms—delivering enhanced customer experience and revenue optimization.
• Ensured regulatory compliance and partnered with business leaders across marketing, sales, and back-office, enabling data-driven decision-making and seamless cross-functional operations.

Head – Technology and Strategy - CTIO Office at MTC (2018-12 – 2020-07)

• Led full-stack BSS/OSS digital transformation, driving a 45% reduction in time-to-market and $10M in annual OPEX savings through platform consolidation, automation, and agile delivery frameworks.
• Directed the nationwide 4G LTE rollout and core network modernization, expanding population coverage to 98% and increasing data revenue by 28% YoY—delivered as part of a multi-year infrastructure modernization plan.
• Established robust IT governance and cybersecurity architecture, ensuring 100% compliance with national regulatory mandates and enabling zero critical incidents during tenure—enhancing operational resilience and business continuity.

Group Chief Information Officer at Amara Communication (2017-08 – 2018-11)

• Directed national 4G LTE network rollout strategy, deploying over 800+ sites across urban and rural zones, achieving 95% population coverage within 12 months and boosting subscriber base by 1.1 million.
• Led transformation of core IT infrastructure and digital platforms, reducing latency by 30% and enabling new VAS and content monetization streams, resulting in $8M in new annual revenue.
• Negotiated and managed strategic vendor partnerships (Huawei, Ericsson, ZTE), saving $5.2M in CAPEX through optimized procurement and phased deployment strategies.
• Launched foundational mobile wallet architecture and roadmap, setting the stage for Myanmar’s early fintech adoption and expanding the company’s service portfolio. Technology strategy development and engagement with EY, and Deloitte.

Chief Operating Officer at Somtel GSM FZCO (2013-10 – 2017-07)

• Mobile Services Launch: Launched GSM greenfield mobile Network on 2600Mhz.design, implement and operate BSS/OSS, Billing,charging, SMSC, DR/DC and 30 seater contact center and 28 retail store.
• Spearheaded development and scaling of eDahab (mobile wallet) at Somtel, integrating biometric KYC, real-time fraud detection, and regional interoperability; enabled 2M+ active users and improved transaction volume by 35%.
• Financial Achievements: Generated $34.10M in revenue, exceeded 4th Quarter AOP targets, and achieved 18% cost savings through fiber acquisition.

GM Product at DAKC Mumbai – India at Reliance Communication (India) (2007-04 – 2013-09)

Key Highlights: General Manager - Product

• Achievements: Launched India’s first Wireless Data VPN with Jasper, generating $210M.
• Revenue: Achieved AOP targets of $20M (FY 2008-2009) and $47M (FY 2007-2008).
• Senior Manager - Product Management
• Network Development: Managed CDMA and GSM product development; drove GTM strategies.
• Revenue Targets: Met AOP targets of $141M (FY 2008-2009) and $85 M (FY 2007-2008).

Non Executive Director at Glosskode Ltd (2024-09 – Present)

• Provide technical advisory to the Board on enterprise technology strategy and digital capability.

Strategic Board Advisor at Blueion.ai (2025-01 – Present)

• Advise an early stage agentic AI platform for fraud detection and AML/CFT compliance on technical architecture and go to market strategy.

Subject Matter Expert, Telecom at V Group Inc. USA (2024-03 – 2026-01)

• Provide telecom technology advisory for USA and Europe market engagements.

Executive Leadership program – INSEAD (2019)

Executive Program – Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (2006)

eADP (ecommerce Application Development Professional) – IBM, New Delhi, India (2001)

Post Graduation in Management – University of Delhi (1997)

B.E. in Electronics & Communication – Gulbarga University (1994)